The electrification of industrial environments has been accelerating for years. This development is clearly visible within the heat tracing industry, where the number of installations using heat tracing technology continues to grow steadily. One of the key reasons for its popularity is the broad range of industrial applications in which heat tracing cables can be implemented. These include cooling technology, utilities, water treatment, chemical and petrochemical industries, offshore installations, food & beverage, and tank construction.
What is heat tracing
Heat tracing ensures that the contents of pipelines, storage tanks, pumps and instrumentation remain frost-free or are maintained at a desired temperature. Although it is often found in water piping systems, heat tracing is applied in many more industrial processes, including fire protection installations. In sprinkler systems located in environments with frost risk, heat tracing is required as a safety measure. These systems often contain water-filled (“wet”) pipes, meaning the water inside must be heated to prevent freezing. This is achieved by applying heating cables (often referred to as heating tape or tracing tape). With the integration of a thermostat, the heating process can be controlled precisely, ensuring that no more energy is consumed than necessary.
Types of heating cables for heat tracing
For fire protection installations, two types of heat tracing cables are particularly recommended for optimal system performance:
Constant wattage heating cables
Constant wattage cables are not influenced by ambient temperature. This makes them suitable for process heating applications such as electric sprinkler systems. These cables must not cross themselves to avoid overheating, and temperature control via a thermostat is required. Backer Wilson supplies constant wattage cables rated up to 350°C with a maximum power output of 150 W/m.
Self-regulating heating cables
Self-regulating cables have a semi-conductive core that changes resistance based on temperature. The cable automatically adjusts its output, preventing overheating, even when crossed. Unlike constant wattage cables, self-regulating cables can be cut to length at any point, providing greater flexibility during installation. These cables are available up to 200°C with a maximum output of 60 W/m².
Advantages of heat tracing in fire protection systems
Using heat tracing cables in an electric sprinkler system offers several benefits. Because the system is kept filled with water at temperature, it is capable of responding more quickly in the event of fire. A monitoring/alarm function is important to ensure system reliability. Our control units are designed precisely for this purpose, enabling fast and accurate fault detection.
Benefits by cable type
| Self-Regulating Cable | Constant Wattage Cable |
|---|---|
| ✔ Energy-efficient; adapts to ambient temperature | ✔ Constant heat output ensures uniform system temperature |
| ✔ Can be cut to length easily on site | ✔ High temperature and power capability |
| ✔ Cannot burn out due to self-limiting function | ✔ Easily controlled using thermostats or automation |
| ✔ Available for ATEX zones | ✔ Suitable for ATEX environments |
Application, installation & specifications
Typical fire safety applications
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Wet sprinkler systems in unheated warehouses or outdoor areas
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Fire suppression lines in industrial processing plants
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Foam/water deluge systems in petrochemical facilities
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Offshore rigs and tank terminals exposed to harsh weather
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Pump houses, valve stations and hydrant networks
Installation considerations
To ensure optimal performance:
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Heating cable must run parallel to pipe flow for uniform heating
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Use thermostatic control for energy-efficient operation
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Insulate piping after cable installation to prevent heat loss
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Implement moisture-proof electrical connections
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Integrate monitoring through controller alarm/indicator units
Technical specification options (example configuration)
| Feature | Constant Wattage Cable | Self-Regulating Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Max. process temperature | 350°C | 250°C |
| Power output | Up to 150 W/m | Up to 90 W/m² |
| Cut-to-length flexibility | Limited | Unlimited |
| Suitable for frost protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Suitable for temperature maintenance | ✔✔✔ | ✔✔ |
| ATEX availability | ✔ | ✔ |
Heat tracing continues to establish itself as a reliable and versatile electrical heating solution. While it may not always be the most conventional approach in fire protection, integrating heat tracing into sprinkler installations significantly increases operational reliability and temperature control. Especially in frost-risk environments. In combination with electric sprinklers, it forms a robust and future-proof fire safety solution.
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